Paul Smart - Charity Bike Ride for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
We are delighted to be able to support Paul Smart, a long-standing Glassboys supporter in his charity bike ride for JDRF this Summer.
Many supporters will know Paul, who has been following the Glassboys for over 20 years.
Paul's son William, who is seven years old, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes two years ago. Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune condition that can strike at any time, but is particularly prevalent in young children.
There is currently no cure, and William faces a lifetime of blood tests and injections, cannula insertions and hospital visits. The complications that can arise from this condition are potentially life-threatening. Since diagnosis, William has endured around 4,500 finger stick tests, 1,850 injections, 150 cannula insertions, 16 hospital clinics, 3 hospital stays of over a week, and several periods on a drip.
Paul and his wife Claire have not had a full night’s sleep in over two years due to routine testing as William sleeps. If William's blood sugar level drops too quickly and isn't picked up, he could fall into a coma and die. If his blood sugar is too high, he can within hours fall into diabetic ketoacidosis which can also lead to death.
Emotionally and psychologically, as you will imagine, this is very draining for the whole family, not least for William, who has gone from being a normal 5-year old little boy, to having to live with this condition day-in, day-out.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the only diabetes charity dedicated to finding a cure. They have already funded many advances in the treatment of this condition, from smart insulin to the artificial pancreas, not to mention ongoing research in the quest to discover what triggers Type 1 Diabetes, and what can be done to prevent, and eventually cure it.
On the evening of 6th June, Paul is taking part in the London Nightrider event, which is a 63-mile circular bike ride overnight to raise funds for JDRF. As a club, Stourbridge FC, is pleased to be able to support Paul in his endeavours and we wish him the very best of luck.
We will be holding a bucket collection at next Saturday's home game against Workington, to raise funds for Paul's bike ride in support of JDRF. Paul, Claire, William and his sister, Tilly, will also be our guests for the afternoon.
Paul has also set up a website for donations at the following link:
If you are able to spare a few pennies or pounds in aid of Paul's efforts we know it would be hugely appreciated.
Thank you.